Beth Cherry Cooperman

Beth Cherry Cooperman, age 89, a longtime resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Beth was born on April 10, 1936, in Hartford, Alabama, to Thomas Clifford Cherry and Essie McLaney Cherry, and was the youngest of six children.

Family was at the very center of Beth’s life. She is survived by her children: Mary Anne Medina and husband Tomas Medina of Orlando, Florida; Russell H. Jennings II and wife Terri Jennings of Anacortes, Washington; and Paige Jennings Parham and husband Paul H. Parham III of Fairhope, Alabama. Additional survivors include her daughter‑in‑law, Sue Jennings; stepdaughter, Fabian West and husband Charles West; stepson, PJ Cooperman and wife Laura Cooperman; as well as six grandchildren and six great‑grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Irvin Cooperman; her first‑born son, Paul Anthony Jennings; her parents, Clifford and Essie Cherry; and her five older brothers.

In her early adult years, Beth was a gifted singer who performed jazz standards with bands throughout Alabama and Georgia. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself fully to her family as a stay‑at‑home mother and homemaker for many years, until her youngest daughter entered high school. Beth could always be counted on to serve others, volunteering as room mother, PTA President, Band Boosters President, and in many other leadership and support roles.

Beth later returned to the workforce and served for many years as Manager of Admissions at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was also co‑owner, alongside her husband Irvin, of Betir Blinds, a highly respected custom window covering business in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Beth was known for her feisty personality, quick wit, and love of life. She was an avid University of Alabama Crimson Tide football fan—Roll Tide!—and cherished hosting lively game‑day gatherings with her children. After many happy years in Gulfport, she was grateful to return to her home state of Alabama in recent years to live near her daughter.

A devoted Christian, Beth was a longtime member of Lighthouse Fellowship in Gulfport. After moving to Alabama, she attended 3 Circle Church in Fairhope with her daughter, Paige. She took comfort in her faith, knowing she would be welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with the loved ones who had gone before her.

Beth will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Irvin, a WWII Veteran, in a private ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery on what would have been her 90th birthday, April 10, 2026. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Clubhouse at Acts Retirement‑Life Westminster Village, located at 500 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Beth’s memory are encouraged to consider a donation to the Acts Samaritan Fund, a benevolent financial assistance fund at Westminster Village. The family extends their most sincere appreciation to GloryAna Webb, Heather Tucker, and all the staff at Westminster Village for the loving care provided in Beth’s later years, as well as to David Johnson and Donna Wegener of Senior Care Authority for their invaluable eldercare consulting and placement services.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Beth Cherry Cooperman.